NEW HAMPTON, IOWA ~ There’s a four-legged member of the New Hampton Police Department who’s getting plenty of attention around town.
His name is Ozkar.
And while this officer may not wear the same uniform as his human coworkers, he’s certainly got a community standing behind him!
Ozkar serves alongside his handler, Officer Lucas Kleckner, as part of the New Hampton Police Department’s K9 unit.
But keeping a police dog trained, equipped, and ready for duty takes more than dedication. It also takes financial support.
And that’s where the people of New Hampton have stepped in.
According to Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl, the department’s K9 program is funded entirely through grants and public donations.
That means community generosity helps provide Ozkar with protective gear, training, and other supplies needed for his work.
And recently, neighbors had a chance to meet the furry officer they’ve been helping support!
Sips on Main in New Hampton hosted a special meet~and~greet featuring Ozkar and Officer Kleckner.
The gathering gave community members an opportunity to connect with their local police department while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
And the results were something worth wagging a tail about!
The event raised more than $700 for the K9 program!
But the hometown support doesn’t stop there.
The department has also offered special Ozkar stuffed animals, giving supporters a chance to take home a cuddly reminder of their community’s real~life working dog.
The plush toys were offered for $35 each, with an initial order of 100. According to an October 12 report by KCHA Radio, approximately 40 remained available at that time.
And thanks to Megan Nosbisch of Sunny Rose Boutique in New Hampton, specially designed Ozkar clothing has also been part of the fundraising effort.
There’s something especially heartwarming about a small community rallying around an officer who happens to have four paws.
Because behind every working police dog is a team of people making that work possible.
There’s the handler who trains and works alongside the dog.
There’s the department responsible for keeping the K9 unit operating.
And then there are the neighbors, businesses, and supporters who recognize the importance of helping provide the resources that make it all possible.
Ozkar’s story also reaches beyond New Hampton.
He was the first police dog sponsored through the K9 Guardian Program operated by OZ Lifting Products, a Winona, Minnesota, company that works with Code Blue K9 to help support law enforcement K9 teams.
The company’s involvement with Ozkar began before 2026, and its K9 Guardian initiative has since expanded to support additional police dogs and their handlers.
It’s a reminder that sometimes one act of generosity can become the beginning of something much bigger.
And back in New Hampton, that generosity continues through local people who are proud to support their police department.
Hats off to Officer Kleckner, Chief Rosendahl, Sips on Main, Sunny Rose Boutique, OZ Lifting Products, and everyone who has helped support Ozkar and the New Hampton Police Department’s K9 program.
Because when a community comes together for a good cause, even the smallest paws can leave a pretty big impression.
And Ozkar? He’s got a whole town cheering him on!
There’s always something good goin’ ’round!
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